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London Astoria demolition plans finalised

Venue has been subjected to a compulsory purchase by the government today (Oct 17)

October 17, 2008 | 8 Comments
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London Astoria was purchased compulsorily by the government today (October 17), ahead of its demolition to make way for a new train station.

The venue, which was opened as a cinema in 1927, is one of 13 buildings around Tottenham Court Road tube station that has been the subject of the compulsory purchase.

Rail minister Lord Adonis told BBC News the move was a "major step forward" for the Â£16 billion Crossrail project.

The demolition is part of a scheme to create an east-west rail route across London, the biggest transport project in the UK since the construction of the Channel Tunnel.

Former London Mayor Ken Livingstone had said earlier this year that there was to be another venue built in the place of the Astoria, but there have since been no further announcements.

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Comments (8)

Add a comment

mikeer

Oct 17, 2008

Devastating news for gig goers worldwide, a loss of an iconic venue with atmosphere, which cannot be recreated with a new venue. O2, IndogO2, 229 etc anyone?? all new and rubbish venues! See you on the picket line chained to the doors!

englishgothboy

Oct 17, 2008

total bastards.

Moz_1983

Oct 17, 2008

Absolutely gutting. No doubt the new replacement venue will be as flashy, corporate and soul-less as the o2 arena.

johnmcga

Oct 17, 2008

Bastards. Possibly the best venue in London, and they're replacing it with some sort of glorified train station / temple to shopping?They'll never recreate the atmosphere in a new venue (which was going to be larger too, according to previous reports). I bet it never gets built anyway.I would write to Boris, but he won't take a blind bit of notice. Let's at least hope they put on a party to say goodbye to the place.

sam4palace

Oct 17, 2008

dont think anything could replace it!

citizenerased19

Oct 17, 2008

NOOOO!!! I love that venue. Ah, the countless times I've been crushed to death in there soaked in beer. Good times.I wonder which band will have the privilege of being the last act ever to grace the historic Astoria stage??

jamesheal

Oct 20, 2008

Such a shame - Astoria is part and parcel of the London gig-goers routine. My first proper gig was Manic Street Preachers in 1994, the last shows with Richey James. There's that kind of history that will be lost forever. Plus, of all the London venues the Astoria actually works - the view from upstairs is just as good as downstairs. Boo-urns indeed.